Growth cone: This is the specialized end of the growing axon that generates the motive force for elongation.
Neurotrophins: This originates from the Greek word trophikos which means ‘nourish’. These neurotrophins provide factors which keep the neuron alive and for growth. These factors are usually growth factors.
Netrins: A family of diffusible molecules that act as attractive or repulsive cues to guide growing axons.
"Construction of Neural Circuits." Neuroscience. 2008. Web. Dec. 2010.
Germinal neuroepithelium: This is what the original neural tube was composed of. It is a single layer of rapidly dividing neural stem cells. The nuclei of these cells are at different heights, therefore giving the appearance of several cell layers – however is only one. Nuclei move within the cells as they go through the cell cycle. When a neuroepithelial cells divides vertically and not horizontally – this is called the neuron’s birthday. The cells which are located superficially are 'born' later than those adjacent to the lumen
Neurons have birthdays too….interesting…
Gilbert, Scott F. Developmental Biology. Sunderland, MA: Sinauer Associates, 2010. Ch 9, Pg 348
